Film enthusiasts from around the country and beyond gathered in Traverse City, Mich. this past week to experience the art of film at the seventh annual Traverse City Film Festival.

The festival, which was held from July 26 to July 31, was developed in 2005 by Michael Moore, a native Michigander and renowned political filmmaker. The University decided to renew its educational affiliation with the festival for a second year by inviting University professors from the department of Screen Arts & Cultures to serve as jurors for many of the films previewed at the festival.

Lee Doyle, director of the University’s Film Office, said the film festival’s popularity has increased substantially since its inception, noting that admission has doubled since its first year, and last year’s festival offered more than 135 screenings and received more than 106,000 submissions.

Doyle added that Moore’s vision and enthusiasm for film has served as the festival’s lasting legacy.

“(The) imprint of Michael Moore has enthusiasts of the film industry gathering together,” Doyle said. “He has created an atmosphere for film fans of all sorts of interests.”

Moore chooses which films are shown and often decides on content that pushes boundaries in order to open the public’s eyes to serious issues, according to the festival’s online mission statement.

“A special emphasis is given to foreign films, American independents, documentaries, and films which have been overlooked but deserve the attention of a public starved to see a good movie,” the festival’s website said.

However, the festival is not limited to film viewings. There is also an onsite film school where the public can take classes to enrich their knowledge of subjects like directing, screenwriting and how to break into the industry, many of which are taught by University professors, Doyle said.

“One of the main purposes is to teach people to view film as an art,” he said. “The film festival helps people take film more seriously.”

Doyle added that by partaking in the festival, the University aims to elevate the role of the arts in public life and to show that it is more than just a research institution.

“It is always important for the University to reach out,” Doyle said. “We take our role as a public University very seriously. We have a strong alumni base, and we enjoy bringing a part of the University to them.”

Two short films — "Work/Study," written by Ben Ellmann and directed by Joey Bergren as well as "Shark Tank," written by Kelci Parker and directed by Barbara Twist — were created by students from SAC and viewed at the festival by a wide array of film fans, experts and industry members.

Festival juror and University SAC Prof. Colin Gunckel said the chance to have student works shown at a popular festival provides immense opportunities for film students and also serves as a forum to showcase the University and its SAC program.

“Our participation allows festival attendees to understand what our department is all about, and provides us as faculty with an opportunity to share our knowledge and expertise beyond a purely academic setting,” Gunckel said.

Additionally he said the festival provides students with both internship opportunities and the ability to network with professionals.

“(The students are) certainly gratified to hear a large audience react to their films, especially when they laugh at the right parts,” Gunckel said. “It’s also an excellent chance for them to network. A number of our students also work as interns for the festival — a great way for them to get experience beyond the classroom.”

He added he was excited to take part in the festival because it draws attendees from around the world who become immersed in the culture and community of Traverse City by partaking in activities like screening films on the lakeshore.

“The festival also generates a great deal of enthusiasm among the residents of Traverse City,” Gunckel said.